11th March 2014

32 Angel Avenue, MURGON QLD 4605

Phone: 4168 1627

Principal: Mr Greg Cran

Email: pmurgon@bne.catholic.edu.au

Website www.stjosephsmurgon.qld.edu.au

March 12 Tuckshop 14 Murgon Show 15 Murgon Show 17 Year 6/7 Assembly 18 9am St Joseph’s Day

Mass 19 6pm P & F AGM 24 Prep Assembly 24—27 Book Fair 28 Free Dress Day—Easter

Egg Donation Prep Year 1 & 5 Buddy

Mass 31 End of Term Awards

April 2 Easter Raffle Draw 4 School finishes for Term 1

St Joseph’s Primary School Murgon

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear St Joseph’s Families,

Resilience appears to be one of the most sought after qualities for happiness in our lives. No matter our age, we will need to face setbacks in our lives and the ability to bounce back from these setbacks is a test of our resilience. Our decisions and choices influence the outcomes we reach and will build and shape character. How we instil this value of resilience in others though, is not easy, particularly for us as parents. Schools provide a safe environment for learning. However, if we assume that students will not face challenges at school then we are not being true to ourselves. The fact is that just like in society, students will meet other learners, both students and teachers, who are different from them. They will face challenges at stages with their learning. Yet how each student deals with these challenges will be different. It would be fantastic to “bubble wrap‟ our students so that they do not face these challenges, so they are protected and do not have to experience the uncertainty of making choices and facing something new and different. It would be reassuring for us as parents but we would be crippling the learning capacity of our students by not work-ing through the skills and strategies needed to become resilient. If we do not work on this with our students then it will ultimately affect their ability to become responsible members within the community. We need to be clear that our school environment is safe, engaging, caring and supportive for student learning. We aim to support our students through all their new learning experiences, whether that be academic, emotional, social or spiritual, but it is ultimately through experienc-ing new learning that our students will develop resilience. We by no means expect students to learn resilience in isolation, as it takes a lot of support, but this support comes through conver-sation and a safe environment to make decisions and choices which we can learn from and reflect on, not the avoidance of something new and different. This process sets our students up for success in a sustainable and on-going manner.

New School Classification

In the most recent Teacher Industrial Agreement, St Joseph’s Murgon has been reclassified as a IPRASS (Incentive Payments – Remote Area Staff Scheme) centre. Four other BCE schools have also been reclassified. This classification leads to two additional ‘travel leave days’ for our teaching staff. This will mean our school cannot open to students on these two days.

Pam Betts (BCE Executive Director) has considered the impact of these travel leave days on all of the IPRASS BCE schools involved (Childers, Murgon, Gayndah, Nanango and Kingaroy). The most likely days for two travel leave days will be the first day of term 2 (Tuesday 22nd April) and the first day of term 3 (Monday 14th July). If you would like to discuss this with me further please make contact.

Have a great week! Greg Cran, Principal.

1st Week of Lent (School week beginning 10th March)

Project Compassion, Week 1, brings you the story of Archie.

For Archie from the Philippines, the threat of weather-related disasters

such as typhoons meant that his house was no longer a safe or secure

place to be. Now living in a new home away from the flood-prone

Plaridel River, Archie is able to resume his education and gain a sustaina-

ble income thanks to a livelihood program.

Your donation to Project Compassion enables families like Archie’s to

live happier and healthier lives. www.caritas.org.au

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St Joseph’s Feast Day

Next Tuesday 18th March, is a special day for us! We will be celebrating St Joseph’s

Feast Day, beginning with a whole school Mass at 9:30am. Everyone is welcome

to attend.

A sausage sizzle will be provided for all students for lunch that day. Students will still

need to bring their own morning tea please.

Joseph our school and Parish patron, was a good foster father and friend of Jesus.

Joseph is also known as Saint Joseph, Joseph of Nazareth and Joseph the worker.

Through Gospel accounts, we know that Joseph was a skilled craftsman and to-

day he is the patron of all workers. God blessed Joseph with a wonderful family.

St Joseph had many personal qualities that we believe are part of our school life;

Family, Faith, Work and Justice. We celebrate those qualities here at St Joseph’s.

Project Compassion

In the first week of Lent, we are focusing on what we can do to help others in need. Year 6/7 Faith Group

students are leading St Joseph’s in the Project Compassion program until the end of term.

Yesterday we all watched the story of Archie from the Philippines, whose home was swept away by roaring

floods and a typhoon. Other residents from the same area were helped to relocate their home, to use sta-

ble building materials, and to provide some space to cultivate their own small vegetable crop. Along with

helping Archie and his family with their home, Caritas helped Archie go back to school to finish his educa-

tion. He now has work and can support his family.

Whilst it’s a little hard for us to imagine quite the level of destruction and pain felt by these people in anoth-

er country, we know only too well in our own community, of how floods can affect us.

Each class has a small collection box in which students may put a few coins for Project Compassion.

Many thanks for your support in advance.

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

“With the fruits and gifts of the Spirit may our children cherish what God has created.”

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the special

gifts, or fruits, of the Holy Spirit.

This lovely statement is on the little gift parishioners received at the Buddy Mass for year 2 and year 4 last

Friday. The children participated in the Mass with beautiful reverence, and a number of parishioners said

they loved the joyful feeling of the Mass as well. Sincere thanks goes to the staff and children for their efforts

and participation.

St Patrick’s Feast Day

It’s that time of year again, when we put on our green clothes and celebrate St Patrick’s Feast Day

(Monday 17th March)! But do we know much about why this day is celebrated? St Patrick, patron saint of

Ireland, was born back in the late 4th Century in Roman Britain. At age 16 he was kidnapped and taken to

Ireland as a slave. He did escape but later returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. Many legends have

grown around St Patrick including that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. Since 1962 Chicago has coloured

its river green to mark the holiday. Now green is commonly connected with the day.

Celia O’Connor

APRE

How important is it to read to your children?

The answer is simple – it’s more than important, it’s vital. Research has shown that the single

most important thing that a parent can do to help their child acquire language, prepare

their child for school, and instill a love of learning in their child, is to read to them. Famous children’s author, Mem Fox writes, “I beg you all to read superb books aloud to your children! Begin on the day they are born.

I am very serious about this: at least three stories and five nursery rhymes a day, if not more,

and not only at bedtime, either.”

She states that parents need to have read at least 1000 books to their child before they enter school. The

message has always been very clear – reading to your children will greatly enhance their love of literature

and set them up for literacy success.

Listed below are ten reasons why reading is so important for children and adults. 1. Kids who read often and widely get better at it. 2. Reading exercises our brain. 3. Reading improves concentration. 4. Reading teaches children about the world around them. 5. Reading improves a child’s vocabulary, leads to more highly-developed language

skills and improves the child’s ability to write well. 6. Reading develops a child’s imagination. 7. Reading helps kids develop empathy. 8. Children who read do better at school. 9. Reading is a great form of entertainment. 10. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind.

ICAS Academic Competitions

International Competitions and Assessments (ICAS) information has arrived at the school. Students in year 2 to

year 7 may participate in English, Mathematics, Science.

Students in year 3 to year 7 may also participate in Computer Skills, Spelling and Writing.

Students’ receive a certificate acknowledging their level of achievement.

There is a small entry fee for each subject competition.

For more information visit www.eaa.unsw.edu.au

If you would like your child to participate in any of the ICAS Competitions, please contact me for registration

forms. Entries close early April.

Curriculum

Nude Food Day

Mrs Dunn dressed up as Nude Food.

Guess what food??? Ash Wednesday

Year 2 Leading Prayer at Monday’s Assembly

Wondai Art Gallery has a colourful exhibition at the

moment featuring St Joseph's students in the 'Kids

Korner'.

Here are some of year 6/7's artwork on display.

S P O R T S N E W S

On Sunday three students from St Joseph’s School travelled to Bundaberg as part

of the U12 South Burnett Cricket Association team. We congratulate Ryan and

Brooke Heness together with Brenna Prendergast who competed in the Grand Final

against Bundaberg. After many rain delays, Bundaberg were victorious, winning

with 3 wickets to spare.

S P O R T S N E W S

On Sunday three students from St Joseph’s School travelled to Bundaberg as part

of the U12 South Burnett Cricket Association team. We congratulate Ryan and

Brooke Heness together with Brenna Prendergast who competed in the Grand Final

against Bundaberg. After many rain delays, Bundaberg were victorious, winning

with 3 wickets to spare.

S P O R T S N E W S

SOFTBALL AND AFL Yesterday, the South Burnett Primary School trials were on

for Softball and AFL at Taabinga State School. Brooke and

Ryan Heness and Brenna Prendergast attended these trials

for Softball. Brooke and Brenna gained selection in the

South Burnett U12 Softball Team to travel to Maryborough on

the 25th & 26th of March. We wish them the best of luck.

Alex Cran and Jeremy Hobbs attended these trials for AFL

Alex gained selection in the South Burnet U12 AFL team to

travel to Gayndah on the 25th & 26th of March. We wish him

the best of luck.

CRICKET On the weekend, the Murgon District Cricket Club U12’s played in the grand final against

Kingaroy at the Murgon Showgrounds. Whilst they were unsuccessful we must congratulate

Brooke and Ryan Heness, Brenna and Fletch Prendergast, Reegan Hill and Alex Cran on the

wonderful display of sportsmanship they shared with their team members. Onlookers would

have thought that they were the winning team.

Also on a cricket note, we wish Brooke Heness the best of luck as she travels to Mackay

this Friday to compete in the State Championships for U12 Girls Cricket.

WIDE BAY SWIMMING CARNIVAL We have three children from St Joseph’s School, Emma and Alex Cran together with Millar

Shields who will be competing at the Wide Bay Swimming Carnival in Bundaberg this week-

end. We extend our best wishes to these children and hope they have a successful meet.

South Burnett Primary School Sports

Congratulations to Jaiden Hill Year 7 Student ….

Campdraft Champion at Proston Show

Jaiden was very successful at the Proston Show on the weekend:

Champion HACK on ‘Alias Secret Oak’

Second in LED QUARTER HORSE on a stallion named ‘Moon Dox’

Second in STOCK HORSE LED on a Filly named ‘Black Betty’

Equal Second and Third CUT-OUT on ‘Alias Secret Oak’

Second PLEASURE GALLOWAY on ‘Little Dove’

First HACK on ‘Alias Secret Oak’

ZONE SELECTION TRIALS - GIRLS NETBALL

Date -: Monday 31st March, 2014

Venue -: Kingaroy State School

Starting Time -: 9:30am

ZONE SELECTION TRIALS – Rugby League (U/11 and U/12)

Date -: Monday 31st March, 2014

Venue -: Kingaroy Rugby League Grounds

Starting Time -: 9:15am

Our meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 6pm, in the admin block unless otherwise stated in the newsletter. We would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage you to participate in our very casual meetings and many different functions throughout the year. Every cent benefits all our children and with emphasis on fundraising for the Canberra Trip this year (5, 6&7’s.) We would really love the parents from these classes to be-come proactively involved in fundraising to help assist in making the Canberra trip more affordable for each family.

We have started our fundraising with our Easter Raffle (Tickets were sent home last week). We will have a free dress day on 28th March, please bring an Easter Egg to support this day. Tickets need to be returned by Monday the 31st of March as the Multi-draw Easter raffles will take place on Wednesday the 2nd of April. Thank you to those families who have already returned their raffle tickets. If you would like some more books to sell, there are more available for collection at the office.

Our other activities that we have planned in the coming months are:

Family Holiday Raffle (to be advised)

Mothers Day Stall (Week 5th – 9th May)

We have our next meeting on the 19th March. This meeting will consist of the AGM followed by the normal general meeting. We look forward to seeing you there.

All Welcome!

Regards

P and F Committee

P a r e n t s & F r i e n d s

March Birthdays Prep Catherine Voigt, Catelyn Purcell Year 1 Jaime McEffer Year 2 Taylor Forrest Year 3 Riley Robinson, Tarnia Bligh, Nathan Roderick Year 5 Romana Ricketts Year 6/7 Brooke Heness

Student of the Week – Week 5 Prep Jaquon Clevens Year 1 Edward Riley Year 2 Tayla Shields Year 3 Sophie Gleich Year 4 Jack Oliveira Year 5 Jamie Atkins Year 6/7 Andrew Hall

Electronic Newsletters: Thanks to those parents who have already indicated how they wish to receive their newsletter each week.

For those happy to receive an electronic newsletter: Please make sure that your email address is updated with us as soon as it changes. (please provide to Office)

For those needing a paper newsletter (eg. No internet access): Please make sure that your eldest or most responsible child is well trained to collect it each Tuesday or let the office know if you only have a younger child who may ensure that it reaches home.

Book Club A reminder that book club orders are due back Monday 17th March. Please note that if you are paying for your order by cheque, kindly make it payable to St Joseph’s Primary School. Thank you,

Regards Nell Guteridge

Year 5 have started a 'Cobber's Club' program with the residents at CASTRA retirement village.

This entails students buddying up with senior citizens and participating in activities with them.

This is an intergenerational program to enhance understanding and appreciation of both generations.

Parish Mass Times

Saturday 15th March 9.00am Mass – Proston 6.00pm Mass – Wondai

Sunday 16th March 8.00am Mass – Murgon 10:00am Mass – Goomeri

Parish Phone No: 4168 1406

TUCKSHOP Wednesday 12th March, 2014

MARCH Special

Toasted Sandwich

(Ham or Chicken with or without Cheese)

Includes a Popper &

Pre-Easter Dessert Jelly & Ice-cream

with Milky Way on Top ONLY $6.00

Murgon Blue Light Disco Diggers Room, Murgon RSL

FRIDAY 21ST March, 2014

6.30p, to 8.30pm SHARP

Cost:- $5.00 includes a hot dog

NO PASSES OUT OF BUILDING UNLESS WITH AN ADULT.

PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY.

Junior Golf

Starts Sunday

16th March 9am

$5.00 per child

Further Queries Ring

Mark Smith:- 41 681355

Prayer Service for Rain On Sunday 16th March 7pm

At New Horizons Church (Wondai end of Murgon)

All Welcome to attend.